Guana prescribed burn today, Wednesday

A prescribed burn has been set tentatively for today and Wednesday to "reintroduce the natural fire cycle" for the Guana River area, according to a press release from the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR).

The actual date of the burn depends on weather conditions and authorization from the Division of Forestry.

The proposed prescribed burn will be located within the coastal strand habitat immediately west of SR A1A, approximately eight miles north of Vilano Beach and two miles south of the entrance drive to the GTMNERR.

The proposed area totals 32 acres. Access to the Environmental Education Center, dam area parking lots or the hiking trails will not be closed.

"Prescribed burning is conducted under very specific weather parameters with highly trained staff to insure the safe and successful application of fire as a management tool to preserve Florida's diverse, fire dependent natural communities," according to the GTMNERR notice.

This area to be burned is surrounded by fire breaks and the Guana River, so there is little concern for fire escaping the prescribed area, GTMNERR reported.

"However, sufficient suppression equipment and staff from GTMNERR and its partner agencies will be on site for the duration of the burning activity to help prevent fire from leaving the designated area," the notice continued.

The burn will be conducted during mid-day to better disperse the smoke.

Residual smoke will also be minimized with post-fire activities to suppress smoldering fuels that produce smoke beyond the initial combustion of the main fire

Those with questions or concerns or who want more information should contact the Reserve at (904) 823-4500 or email Diana.Eissing@dep.state.fl.us